Madeleine Taylor-Quinn
Ceist:25 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give the up-to-date position on the activities of the Sikorsky S61N helicopter based in Shannon for air/sea rescue service operations.
Written Answers. - Air/Sea Rescue Service.
Since the service came into operation on 15 July 1991 the Sikorsky S61N has been called out on 48 rescue missions. Many of these missions have been undertaken in atrocious weather conditions around the south, south-east and west coast. Rescues include medium range, coastal, mountain, air ambulance and medevac. As well as the rescue missions the crew of the S61N have to carry out continuous role training in order to maintain their SAR rating.
I need not remind the House of the atrocious weather we had the weekend beginning 25 October last. In relation to my Department and marine incidents around our coast, it was one of the busiest on record. I would like to publicly express my deep appreciation to all who contributed in any way to carrying out so many successful missions during that particular weekend and, indeed, I should say, on all other occasions. Their professionalism and dedication to duty deserve the highest praise. Thankfully, no lives were lost.